2010 DIARY DATES....GoY members' gardens open for charity.:o)

~ ANDREWR ~ SPRITZHENRY ~ KENSINGTON ~

JUNGLEJEN ~ FOURSEASONSGARDEN ~

Five GoY members with wonderful gardens ~

These are all in the Yellow Book National Gardens Scheme, which means that on specific dates, the gardens are open to visitors, in aid of charity.

I’ve written this blog to feature these five gardens and their open dates. Three photos of each garden.

This map was created …… with difficulty ….. Lol.
…Jungle Jen kept jumping into the Atlantic Ocean !

The Tour

We start at Andrewr’s home in Bracknell ……. This garden would be great for a TV show ! Can you imagine Carol Klein darting about enthusiastically, and then interviewing Andrew about his planting schemes ? Please, BBC ?

From Berkshire, we head west to Somerset, where we find Spritzhenry’s enchanting, exquisite English Country Garden…..pretty bridges, streams, flowers, climbers, cream teas ….. sounds a great idea to me !

Next we drive a few miles north-east to Kensington’s unique and special garden in Bristol…the smallest garden in the NGS Yellow Book, but what a lot they’ve got….wildlife pond, temple, stumpery, grotto… a huge amount of variety, presented with perfection.

Then it’s only a short hop across to visit the wonderful world of Jungle Jen …… Tree forests, ferns, fish, frogs, runner beans, bamboos, bananas…… a “must see” garden with plenty to interest visitors of all ages…

Our final destination, is FourSeasonsGarden in Walsall, up the motorway to the West Midlands. This glorious garden does what it says on the plaque…has colour and fascination at all times of the year.

The Five Gardens
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ANDREWR ~ DEVONIA ~ BERKSHIRE.

SUNDAY 25TH APRIL, 2010.

Devonia ~ The fabulous front garden

Andrew says ~

For our NGS Day, my garden is open with another which is about a mile way – I have plant sales and they do teas. Combined entry for both is £3:50.
By appointment, it’s £3 (or £5 including refreshments).

Devonia ~ beautiful back garden & raised pond feature

The garden is in Bracknell, Berks ~12 miles east of Reading ~ open on Sunday 25th April, 2010 ~ and also by appointment, that is, mutually agreed dates.

Travelling to Devonia, there is easy access from both the M3 Junction 3, and M4 junction 10.

Parking advice ~ the road outside the house is narrow and often busy, so the best place to park is in Sycamore Rise, a cul-de-sac about 200 yards away.

This is an interesting newly acquired area, which Andrew describes as his “bit on the side” Lol.

Andrewr’s GoY profile for Devonia ~

1/3 acre plantsman and plantaholic’s garden designed for all seasons, with careful planting to require minimal watering. Over 1200 shrubs, perennials, climbers, bulbs and alpines ~ many rare and unusual. Spectacular wisteria. New for this year – coloured foliage garden.

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SPRITZHENRY ~ SOMERSET.

THURSDAY 3RD JUNE, & THURSDAY 10TH JUNE, 2010.
2 pm – 5.30 pm.

Spritzhenry says ~

Part of my front garden looks across from the house to the lane. I love sitting in the sun, studying the different colours and shapes in this area. The weeping ash tree is about 250 years old.

It was lovely to meet GOY members here last year, and I’m hoping to meet more friends in 2010 ! We use the field opposite for parking. The local WI come down to serve cream teas, and we have plants for sale.

The garden has distinctly different areas separated by arches, walls, gates and the natural stream. There’s a very old stone bridge and a modern wooden one to cross to see the whole of the garden, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the different views.

I love flowers ~ perennials especially ~ as well as shrubs and clematis. I make good use of my greenhouse for seeds and plug plants. I’m always up for new projects in the garden.

The island bed is a recent project, with flowers blooming well into October. The colour scheme is a little different from the rest of the garden – white, cream, burgundy and lime green. Two clematis and a climbing rose mingle together on the obelisk.

The ever-present, soothing sound of running water is a joy, attracting different birds into the garden, such as herons, egrets and grey wagtails. Part of the retaining wall is clothed with a Boston Ivy – glorious when its rich autumn colours are reflected in the stream.

NGS Description: Tranquil cottage garden in a rural area. Approximately 2/3 acre, wrapping around 3 sides of early C16 cottage (not open). Colour-themed borders and flowerbeds including a recently-created island bed, with raised 40ft border reached by steps from either end.
A natural stream with planted banks runs through the garden. Children must be supervised at all times.
Disability information: Some gravel paths.

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KENSINGTON ~ BRISTOL

Grenville and Alan say ~

We’re pleased that our garden will be featured in the new book ‘Dream Gardens of England’ to be published in March 2010.

Our garden is the smallest garden in the Yellow Book. The main charities supported by the garden open days are: Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Crossroads Caring for Carers…..Besides opening for the N.G.S, the garden will be open from June 1st for private daytime visits, and all visits are by appointment only. Admission is £3.50 for adults.

Children under 16 years free. Details of how to contact us to arrange a visit are on our website. Parking is not a problem during daytime as there are usually spaces alongside the house. No dogs [except guide dogs].

Exotic garden in summer. Acid yellow is combined with brown and deep bronze foliage. Cannas, Dahlias and Coleus are incorporated, as well as Phormiums, Yucca ‘Silver sword’ , Bamboos and masses of yellow lilies.

Upper Garden ~ Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Marie and Tony say ~

We have won the battle with weeds, built a chalet store, summer house, large wooden oriental pagoda, smaller pagoda and created four water features, including a cascading 17 metre stream.

From early February huge numbers of hellebores, camellias and spring bulbs are flowering. The garden is breathtaking in May with a stunning array of azaleas and the new growth of acers and conifers.

In August the perennials are dramatic in the lower garden. By summer, children and adults love the exciting jungle with its mist and tropical bird sounds. Youngsters also enjoy the stone animals, windchimes and bridges.

Middle Garden ~ Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

In autumn, the rich hues of the virginia creeper are followed by vibrant colour change in the acers, azaleas, cotinus and other deciduous plants.

In winter, the red acer Senkaki stems are magnificent, offset against the blue and yellow conifers and bright holly. Lighting in the trees creates a magical atmosphere, especially when plants are draped in snow.

We now believe we have created a garden for all seasons and all ages.

FourSeasonsGarden entry price is £3 for adults. Children free.
The garden has some steps. Toilet at garden level.

Lower Garden ~ Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

LATESTNEWS :
“Four Seasons” – BBC2 Gardeners’ World Special
Rescheduled due to the Olympics to:

Radio Times:

“Toby Buckland introduces a special programme following a year in the lives of passionate gardeners Tony and Marie Newton. Seventeen years ago the couple began transforming their traditional suburban garden in Walsall, West Midlands into a stunning Yellow Book garden. Tony hated weeding but loved building things. Marie loved plants. Together they began an incredible journey to create their dream outdoor space.”

“Gardeners’ World spent a year with Tony and Marie to discover why they are so passionate about their garden and to reveal the lengths to which they will go to achieve their perfect garden.”

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photo : Alan Elms

Above is this year’s book…

Grenville says ~
“When we opened the book we were surprised and delighted to see that our garden is included in the yellow book in a feature:
‘Inspiring gardens – Bright ideas’ written by Martyn Cox, the well known garden writer and author.

Two photographs of our garden are featured in the article. Martyn mentions that even in tiny spaces, the gardens can be stimulating and be big on ideas ! "

Martyn opens his own small garden in London for the NGS.

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You can find out more open garden information from our five members by going to their GoY home pages, and either clicking on their website links or sending a private message.

The National Gardens Scheme website also has further details..click on this link ………NGS
At the end of January, the NGS website had technical problems, so if you can’t access it, please try again in a few days’ time. Thanks.

If any other GoY members have their gardens open for charity this year, please send me a private message with details and I will add the information to this blog.

I hope everyone has a happy 2010 ~ gardening, and exploring enchanting open gardens. :o)

Thanks, Barbara...
Yes, it's taken me several days to put this together, but I hope the end result means that these lovely gardens attract extra visitors, so that the charities receive even more money :o)

its a great blg as usual TT. its such hard work getting ready for an open day but the visitors realy enjoy it. we sadly wont be opening here at corseside this year as we are under going great change. but we will bw back next year...good luck with all your open days i hope the sun shines for you.

great blog and lovely pictures and explanation, as im going to see my brother this summer, not sure exactly but hoping to arrange a visit to andrews garden, fingers crossed, would love to see all of them, but being in blackpool not possible, doesnt seem to be much here in the north of england for some reason, im sure there must be some lovely gardens our way ;o)) well done Terra x

BRAVO - Tt, for this blog, and all you Goyers opening your absolutely wonderful gardens for charity!

Should,perhaps, not say this, being a Scotsman, but - I think you are all selling yourselves short! As I said to Spritz last summer, I'd be hard-presed to find admisssion to an open garden here in our equivalent of the "Yellow Book" for under £4!! Worth every ha'penny, though!!

Well done TT on a fantastically informative blog.....a lot of hard work you must have put in there. Like San and Dawn, I wish I lived nearer, it would be great to do a tour of all the gardens......:o) Good look everyone this year with your open days....X

Thanks T.T for all your hard work, your time and fantastic research in order to write this interesting and informative Blog.

It will be wonderful to open our garden again this year for the N.G.S and raise money for such deserving causes.
Also, we are looking forward to seeing our garden in the book: 'Dream gardens of England.' to be published by Merrell in March 2010.
The pre- publication review has now been released and it states......
'The perfect companion to Merrell's bestselling 'Dream Gardens' (Sunday Times Gardening Book of the Year); Dream Gardens of England is a beautifully designed sourcebook of 100 gardens of all styles in all parts of the country. It presents a wonderful variety of garden-design ideas, ranging from modern sophistication to lush romanticism, and from small city plots to large gardens in breathtaking rural locations. Each garden is photographed to show all its key features and essential details, while concise descriptions offer a rare insight into the aims and achievements of some of today's leading gardeners. With captions identifying the plants depicted, this book is an invaluable source of information and inspiration'.
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We warmly welcome visits to our garden in Bristol from our fellow Grows on you members.
With all best wishes,
Grenville & Alan.
Bristol.U.K

I have really enjoyed this very informative blog, especially since i am such a newcomer to this website. My wedding anniversary in June 3rd . . .wonder if husband would care for a few days visiting Somerset ? !

What a fantastic blog Tt, I know I am going to see Spritz this year and now I've read this I can go and look for fourseasons garden as well as thats only about half an hour away from us here.
Thank you for this fabulous piece of work and as has already been said you should use it as a CV to get you an editorial job. (For the yellow book???)

Another wonderful offering TT....you certainly have "the flair". One of these days I might get to see some of the gardens in Somerset area when we visit friends.
I wish the "Yellow Bookers" all the very best of luck for the season and hope the sun shines for you all :o))

Well done TT ..a fantastic blog and very informative , lets hope that not to many plants were lost this winter so that these beautiful gardens will be at their best for their special days .....

By the way , the honour of being on the front cover of the ngs Yellow Book 2010 has been bestowed to a Norfolk couple Libby and Robin Ellis who live at Manor House farm Wellington a few miles from me ,their garden will be open to the public from 2pm- 5.30pm on June 20th ... for anyone who happens to be in Norfolk at that time :o))

Thank you, David, Janey, Ian, Grenville and Alan, Megan and Alice...
yes.. lots of work in writing this... but the research was interesting, and I hope all the gardens have successful opening days. :o)

Superb Blog TT Thank you for informing us it was lovely to see the super gardens and I too wish them well with their open days may the sun shine on them all and their hard work be well rewarded by many visitors :o))

Ooh, how exciting, can't wait to try to visit a few of these gardens am putting the dates in my diary right now. Well done TT I'm a great fan of the Yellow Book. Perhaps when visiting a garden, one could mention being a Goy member, in case other Goy members are there, and a chance to meet up.

What lovely gardens just wished I lived nearer so I could visit , there was a garden open in the lake district near where we went on holiday, I never got the chance to visit it though . This is a great blog hope everyones day goes well.

Now T.T...... the mind boggles..............
I know..... how about decorative skirts made of bamboo.Just think of the musical episodes when the bamboo pieces start clanking together on a breezy day Lol!

Hi TT, the Grandsons are keeping us busy especially hubby (Hameryllis) he hasn't been on goy for awhile, he needs a bit of encouragement folks. Anyway he takes the grandsons to school every morning, and he's just finished making me an owl box. Watch his space maybe !!!:o)) Pam.
Spritz, Your garden is one I'm hoping to get to. Pam.

Hi Pansypotter...
The GoY open gardens are all clustered somewhat, in one part of England...
If I hear of other gardens open for charity, I'll add them to the end of this blog, and put a comment to say I've done so...
...Yes, let's hope all their special days go very well. :o)

Well, my anti-snow one worked! I'll have to vary the steps a little, of course. I am NOT cutting down my beautiful bamboos to make a skirt, though - we'll have to find a member who wants to get rid of their bamboo.

If you didn't fancy editorial work you could go for selling - you've 'sold' these gardens in the best possible way - well done, Terra. Gosh, Andrew's is early this year! It's on the calender. The others are a lot further away but you never know - maybe I'll go incognito - in the hat?

Hi Wagger... Thanks..
I hope I've "sold" these lovely gardens enough to get them extra visitors for their charity days....
Yes, good idea...Lol...
...go along in hat.... and bamboo skirt... and wellies :o)

I must be missing out on a lot of stuff that GoY does. I hadn't a clue that some of your wonderful gardens will be open for us postage stamp gardeners to come to see. I don't know if I could make a visit, but its nice to know the option is there if i can make it. Thanks to all of you for the chance...... Frank

Hi Pam....
On my keyboard, I have keys on the right labelled PgDn and End....
does pressing either of those get you to the base of the page..?
Please let me know in case others ask the same question. Thanks. :o)

TT, i wouldn't be at all surprised !
My other half got it 2 Christmases ago and it is enormous by comparison, to the old one.
It's almost 3 (of my) palms span across from left to right ..... way too fancy for my needs but there .... that's a gadget geek for you :-/

Hi Terra, how did I miss this blog, Duhh!
Just wanted to thank you for your time and effort in putting this together, much appreciated.
We hope to see some GOY friends at our Open Days this year too, if you can't make the Open Days just call us for a private visit.
Jen x

Thanks, Jen...
If you wish to add any information to your section of the blog above as the year progresses, please let me know, and I can update it...

Have you seen my recent blog "The Conifer King" ? Bluespruce's fabulous garden...
...we're joking on that blog about hiring a red London Bus to take some GoY members on a visit.... maybe we could stop at Jen's on the return trip..! :o)

You would ALL be so welcome Terra, just say the word and I'll put the wine on ice, and chicken on the BBQ!
We could have a special GOY Open Day/Evening, the jungle's especially lovely in the evening :o)

Excellent work TT as usual very professional.
Wishing Andrew, Barbara, Jen, Marie and Tony and of course Grenville and Alan a very successful year and a real Spring and a long warm (I would say hot, but do not want to appear greedy) summer and to finish an Indian Summer.......

That's an awful lot of good wishes Dotty, thank you!
Let's hope that the sun shines on us all, I feel that we are due a good Spring/Summer/Indian Summer after the Winter we're having.
We want to raise LOTS of money for the NGS this year, and fine weather really helps bring out the visitors. :o)

Yes TT, there are many ways of supporting us, and this blog is one of those ways. Thanks for all your hard work on this, it's very much appreciated.:o)
Wish it would hurry up and warm up though...it get's cold stuck out here in the Atlantic. P.S. I didn't jump....I was pushed. lol

Hi Jen...
When I made the map on the computer, JUNGLEJEN really did keep hopping into the Atlantic...Lol.
I'm glad to have been of help with this blog... and yes, our gardens are waiting patiently for some WARMTH and SUNSHINE..! :o)

I've updated this blog with news of Kensington having their garden featured in the 2010 Yellow Book article called Inspiring Gardens - Bright Ideas...
Please look below the photo of the Yellow Book to see the latest information. :o)